Archbishop Edwin O'Brien travels to Haiti next week to view the devastation caused by the earthquake two years ago and to dedicate a school.

O'Brien, along with close to two dozen other men, will soon be elevated to the position of Cardinal at a ceremony in Rome.

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Before leaving, O'Brien wanted to share his joy over joining several other prominent church leaders who were appointed Cardinals while leading the Catholic Church in Baltimore, said 11 News reporter Barry Simms. They include Cardinals James Gibbons, Lawrence Shehan and William Keeler.

"It's nice to be in a hall of fame like this," said O'Brien.

He said he became a Cardinal designate when he was in Rome and heard the Pope call his name.

"He went through 22 names. My name was number eight. It was very exciting, quite something to hear," O'Brien said.

O'Brien will take on the responsibilities of serving as a special advisor to the Pope. When the time comes, he will also help select the new pontiff.

His staff has been assured that he will still be in charge. "I'm here until my successor is named and installed," he said. "And no, I don't know who he is nor do I know when it's going to happen."

Baltimore has been a high point in his priesthood. O'Brien said he took no pleasure in consolidating high schools that had deteriorating buildings, low attendance or were in serious financial trouble.

"It had to be done," he said. "I don't think we'll have to go any further because we've formed a very good foundation."

O'Brien's installation as Cardinal is set for Feb. 18.

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